The second session on Day 4 of the fourth Test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series was dominated by India, highlighted by a remarkable performance from Jasprit Bumrah. The vice-captain of India claimed three wickets in rapid succession, leaving Australia struggling at six wickets down and under 100 runs. Nevertheless, the visiting team will lament their missed opportunities, particularly Yashasvi Jaiswal, who was responsible for three dropped catches during the afternoon session at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, much to the dismay of captain Rohit Sharma.

The first dropped catch occurred on the penultimate ball of the third over of Australia's second innings when Jaiswal was positioned at leg gully for a Bumrah delivery aimed at Usman Khawaja. Unfortunately, the left-handed batsman could not secure the catch as the ball slipped through his grasp. While Jaiswal's proximity to the batter may have limited his reaction time, he would have preferred to avoid the embarrassment of dropping Marnus Labuschagne in the 40th over.

In that instance, Akash Deep delivered a ball of moderate length, which Labuschagne attempted to guide through gully. The ball went directly to Jaiswal, presenting him with a straightforward catch. At that point, Labuschagne had yet to reach his half-century, and securing that wicket would have been detrimental to the hosts, who had already lost all their top-order batsmen. However, Jaiswal's failure to catch the ball left Rohit Sharma visibly upset. As the broadcasters replayed the moment, commentator Mark Nicholas noted Rohit's frustrated reaction, as he was seen gesturing in exasperation while Jaiswal appeared to regret his mistake.

Despite Jaiswal's misstep, another commentator criticized Rohit's demeanor, suggesting that he should have exhibited a more composed attitude and offered support to the young player following the dropped catch.

“The captain's body language was not appropriate. It is essential to convey a message of calm and encouragement. No one intends to drop a catch, and the player will already feel remorseful for the mistake...but it is crucial not to display disappointment in front of a young athlete,” he remarked.

The third occurrence of a missed catch transpired during the 49th over when Jaiswal was positioned at silly point. A delivery from Ravindra Jadeja, after being defended by Pat Cummins, unexpectedly rose and went directly into Jaiswal's hands; however, he once again could not secure it. Rohit expressed his frustration vocally, letting out a scream.

Bumrah rips out Australia middle order

Jasprit Bumrah delivered a devastating performance as he tore through Australia's middle order, leaving the hosts at 135-6 in their second innings, with a lead of 240 runs just before Tea. The vice-captain of India triggered a collapse in the second session on Day 4, as the hosts lost four wickets for a mere 11 runs, plummeting to 91-6. However, Labuschagne, who remained unbeaten on 65, along with captain Pat Cummins, who scored 21 not out, managed to restore some semblance of stability before the tea break.

Bumrah, at times unplayable, recorded figures of 4-30 in 14 overs, bringing his series tally to 29 wickets, the second highest by an Indian in a single tour of Australia, and achieving a career milestone of 200 wickets.

Australia continues to hold a favorable position at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, having established a lead of 105 runs in the first innings, with variable bounce beginning to play a significant role.

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